Oppo A72 Review | Great Value Budget Smartphone

Reviewing the Oppo A72 budget smartphone, one of the best all-round handsets you can grab in 2020 for just over £200. The dependable camera tech impresses at this price, while the Oppo A72 also boasts good performance (even for gaming), excellent battery life and a feature-packed ColorOS UI. I've been testing this cheaply priced mobile for over a week as my full-time phone, so here's my final review. Check out my unboxing for a closer look at the software.
I've already rounded up my favourite sub-£300 budget devices of summer 2020, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Moto G8 Plus. However, the A72 would definitely win an inclusion if I shot that again today as it's right up there among the best. I really got on with the quad lens camera, which punches above its weight for everyday photos. Other highlights include the all-day battery life and some nifty bonus features, like the one-handed mode and strong audio support.
Gamers can get by on the Oppo A72 with Call of Duty, PubG Mobile and so on. In my tests, this phone could play them with a respectable frame rate - and you also have a dedicated gaming mode.
So are you tempted by this brilliant budget-friendly smartphone? Let me know what you think below!

[@Nickitaname]

I have had this phone for 1 month now, it is great quality for the cost. Works just as well as the new phones but cost a lot less. My favorite things about this phone is the long battery life it can last for over 3 days an nights before you need to charge it up, the charging time is fast too which is great. Overall this phone is a great purchase and the size is quiet large, the design and colour on the back is also attractive to the eye and people don't know what brand you're phone is but assume its price is in the thousands lol.

[@shmpyinaal95]

Me too,it very good.I like😊

[@black_country_coins306]

Just watched both of the videos you made for the oppo a72 and I'm 100% gonna buy it in the morning when I get paid. Looks like a decent phone cheap af aswell

[@burnikshrapnel]

"Lasts longer than Sting in the sack" 😂😂😂

[@fergrfc4421]

I get a day out of it normally. That includes social media KZbin etc I only notice it drain faster when I use it for flying my drone on the DJI app. But that's a knowing hassle with drones good phone man

[@grrr.9998]

You should get some cream for that.

[@xxzmk]

The better alternative to outdoor sounds is rain splatter on windows

[@TechSpurt]

Definitely getting that sound in real life here in drizzly London...

[@noreenyasin9769]

@@TechSpurt whose has loud good sound .oppo a9 2020 ? Opp a72? Or oppo a52 ??

[@sophietrethewey373]

@@TechSpurt I am looking to buy this phone, but I mostly use facebook messenger for hours talking to family on video chat. Would this phone be ok for that? thank you

[@RF-Creator]

@@sophietrethewey373 i think so Even doe the camera quality isn't the best but it's still decent

[@ismaeljulio2623]

Totally stumbled across the Oppo brand and this video. And I'm glad I did. Awesome review ! I'm loving my Oppo A72. Itworks great. I've had for 3 weeks now. Battery life is amazing ! Can't fault it. I'm satisfied with everything tbh. Depending on usage I can finish a day with around 60% or slightly less , whereas my previous Samsung A50 would make me struggle with only 30% or less. Thanks again for the review 😃

[@bosrab]

On Friday 7th May 2021 my Oppo A72 notified me about software update availability, and I immediately installed ColourOS 11.1. Was very excited about that event.

[@bosrab]

Software update: Notified the August 2021 security patch update was available today (22nd August) on my Oppo A72. Downloaded and installed 'adds RAM expansion feature to improve system performance' we are told.

[@ihatethegestapo7649]

Did it work?

[@ulysses4989]

Yeah did it work?

[@greggsmith5391]

Love your reviews. Finally a reviewer that understands the word budget.

[@MorganMay2000]

Love that cheeky bit of taking back sunday in your recently listened

[@riccardocapellino9078]

After 2 years with this phone I can say he wasn't lying.

[@shaunbat5097]

Had mine ,3.8 years still working perfect.....

[@lonyinchan1002]

Hey Chris, being someone who has tried out many anc tws earbuds, which ones would you recommend for someone going off to uni as the only pair?

[@Nathan477]

cowboy bebop + vinland saga = perfect!

[@ruvimbopasi6214]

This was a well structured and informative review 🔥

[@MrKiwispirit]

I've just got this phone today and very impressed so far cost me $459 down from $599, I wasn't holding my breath with the head phones but when I gave them a go the sound is amazing

[@ulysses4989]

It cost $459???????

[@MrKiwispirit]

@@ulysses4989 yeah this is NZ prices.....

[@ulysses4989]

@@MrKiwispirit Bro that's still overpriced af, that equals 307 United States dollars. I bought the phone brand new for £109 which is $220 NZ dollars...

[@MrKiwispirit]

@@ulysses4989 yeah but I'm not in those country's lol

[@undercrackers56]

If only all KZbin consumer reviews were as good as this.

[@woody1815]

hiya, thanks for review, just watched 2 of your video's, , oppo a7 and honor 9x lite, which one would you recommend as an upgrade from my galaxy s8 as carphone wearhouse say that there both a big improvement to what I have,, cheers.

[@sweetness123able]

I would stick to the s8 galaxy

[@BryBry77]

Great review (as always), a decent phone for the price, perfect for people starting with smartphones, it's not bad at all.. But can I just say that being able to hide from a dinosaur AND take it's photo is quite impressive!

[@TechSpurt]

It took a chunk out of my left buttock but I hoyed a bacon sandwich at the wee blighter and legged it

[@BryBry77]

@@TechSpurt Wait, wait, wait! You gave away a bacon butty?! A northerner threw away a bacon butty?! I.. I can't even.. You monster!

[@jurgeneckert2090]

Good and neutral test, i experienced most of the same like you did. Concerning the camera performance you could have mentioned HDR. Cause especially on the selfie cam it works outstanding, because of its adjustment it shows the background like you wouldn't have seen in Automatic mode.

[@jurgeneckert2090]

Absolutely correct. Many manufacturers miss HDR in its usual sense like Xiaomi and Huawei which i think it's kind of fake. I was surprised that on the Pixel 4a it seems to be working all the time that's why backgrounds are never a problem.

[@bosrab]

Software Update for my Oppo A72 (on Thursday 17 June). Adds the June 2021 Android security patches to enhance system security. ColorOS 11.1, Android 11.1

[@fergrfc4421]

I have this phone and honestly.... It's not just good. It's actually amazing. The camara is quality the screen is brilliant looking it's fast and not sluggish or slow gaming is really good on it. I seriously can't find anything to fault it for this price it's definitely the high end of the (budget phone market) Take my word for it it's a really good phone. Not had a problem with it... Can certainly stand up to most brands around this range. And (the sound is clear from phone calls that other budget phones struggle with.

[@Nickitaname]

Absolutely agree with you on this. I have this phone and hands down would recommend to anyone looking for a high quality smartphone at an affordable price.

[@fergrfc4421]

@@Nickitaname very happy with it now an oppo fan

[@fergrfc4421]

@mana drama agree im used to Samsung but wanted a change the flagships phones are far to expensive for what I need a phone for. This ticks all the boxes for me

[@fergrfc4421]

@mana drama I know crazy good phone 😀

[@fergrfc4421]

@4our I don't use any mobile for gaming bruh no matter how good a phone is. Ever played FIFA on a mobile I have and it's nothing to (Xbox PS) even a switch runs games better than most high end phones.

[@Norkhog]

Genuine questions, do you think the find X2 lite is much of an upgrade to the a72? If it's not really worth it I don't really want to spend the extra 200

[@jimibaked4235]

I hope u kept the find x2 light

[@ndnadia9]

I got this phone few days ago because my Sony Xperia X(2016) is about to be broken after a long time use. I need to find an under AUD$300 phone that has big battery and great camera and many more and Oppo A72 fits the category. I would like to buy another Sony but Sony discontinued their phones in Australia. It's been a few days now. I'm happy with my purchase for now

[@ivanbenstead8586]

But is it any good as a phone? Sound quality on phone calls, signal strength etc.

[@joyjeetpaul2218]

Main problem with Oppo is they don't provide any Android updates on thier phones. I had used Oppo f5 but dumped it for Nokia 8.1

[@bprabawabr]

Dude, F5 was years ago, we're currently at F15. My Renos got updates for Android 10 and Coloros 7.

[@pkboss8324]

Also theyre overpriced compared to competition

[@mjmusictest2434]

My Xiaomi Mi A2 has Android 10.

[@mjmusictest2434]

@Mustafa Kemal You know *RealMe* is by Oppo AKA made by OnePlus. 😌

[@mjmusictest2434]

@Mustafa Kemal Oh that's bad news. 🤪

[@youmenoww]

so you are one of the gods of mobile phone reviewers around the world along with Marcus Brownlees over in the US which is pretty impressive and you're funny and engaging, the kind of person I think a lot of people would enjoy having a beer with down at the local pub with should the moment arise.

[@Turkey_b0i]

My aunties wanting a cheap phone that's good this seems like a solid choice

[@danieledwards1147]

Hi Tech Spurt! I'm looking at either this or the A9 2020 for the other half. Is the A72 worth the extra dosh, or would you still say the A9 2020 is a decent phone? The other half is mainly a Facebook, Whatsapp and internet browsing user. Maybe a bit of Wordcapes and the like, but nothing heavy going. Oh and fair bit of camera time when we're out and about. I've used your reviews to help me choose my own phones for quite some time and you've never let me down....yet! lol. Thanks in advance, Daniel

[@flaviubratan3842]

I just ordered mine today from carphone warehouse for 140£.🔥👌🏼

[@ANHARISBEAST]

Its £200 now

[@beardedbaldy6005]

@@ANHARISBEAST ordered mine 3 days ago and snapped it up for £140

[@davidmanning3563]

Thanx for the review probably gonna choose the oppo as an upgrade on my Samsung A7

[@user-qk9jp8nd3k]

I bought one over 2 years ago it's brilliant still going strong

[@revivedfears]

Had mine for 2 years and it's still going strong. Daily heavy use, still pretty quick and looks modern still.

[@bosrab]

I switched to my Oppo A72 in October 2020 (from my 24 month old out-of-contract Samsung S8). I loved the Twilight Black gradient finish of my Oppo A72. I just stick the phone in my jeans or chinos pocket and clean it with care using a 100% cotton cloth squeezed out from a kitchen sink solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid and then dry/polish off with another clean cotton cloth (if that makes sense). That procedure had kept all my phones looking pristine and like new for the last nine years. I liked that I could delete most Bloatware apps that I did not want on my A72 after it had been delivered. Battery life on my Oppo A72 is always very good for me. I’m impressed that I always get a full day of use. As we are told, the charger brick is 18W. Some charge time examples of mine are: 30 mins charging from 13% to 30% (and that 30% would get me to work and back with a few email and news checks through the day) 90 mins charging from 13% to 88% (that 88% charge would easily get me to work and back with added streaming like a couple of hours of KZbin and a Netflix movie at home etc.) Temperature: After seven months of use I have not had any major overheating of the phone. Charging the battery warms the phone up slightly but it cools down quickly. I like the screen size a lot on the Oppo A72, for me its great for watching Netflix movies. I also like the fact the Oppo A72 has an IPS LCD display (after 18 months my Samsung S8 OLED display was going pinker with that pink burn in issue and I’d read up that this damage does not happen on LCD). Stereo sound speakers are good without headphones and obviously better using headphones. Phone calls speaker is clear and easy to hear what the other person is saying. For me everything about making and taking phone calls, leaving voice messages and texting is simple on the Oppo A72. I like the Oppo UK website. Face recognition is fast and reliable. I could not get the fingerprint sensor method working easily on my Oppo A72, it was a bit clunky and fiddly. Software update. On Friday 7th May 2021 my Oppo A72 notified me that the latest version of ColourOS 11.1 was available. So I now have Android 11 on my phone. And ColourOS 11.1 is fun to personalise things etc. The camera app and various lenses do a good job, but I’m no photography expert, just point and shoot and a bit of cropping. I prefer to edit using the Oppo Photos app rather than Google Photos. But, I really like the Oppo Soloop video editing app, for me it’s great. Finally, at the end of a stressed day 😊 I also like the Oppo O Relax app. Great to relax with (now probably a better app and selection under ColourOS 11.1)

[@beverley222]

Thank you for this in depth description, It's much appreciated. The method you use for cleaning your phone sounds good, I might consider trying it when I get my Oppo A72, which I'll arrive in delivery tomorrow.

[@bosrab]

@@beverley222 Thank you for your reply and comments.

[@ulysses4989]

@@bosrab Can it record at 1080p60? I've been told that it can't

[@fionarhys1141]

Super great review! Cheers

[@ThePoutingPanda]

Hi Chris! Would you consider reviewing the Oppo A52? I know it's more budget but I can't find many reviews and I love your ones! Either way, great review :)

[@bosrab]

Android 11 March 2022 security upgrade downloaded onto my Oppo A72 this weekend. So this phone is still getting the security upgrades as expected.

[@tonysimmonds9839]

Im torn between the p30 lite new edition or the A72 which is the better phone

[@hefindavies6959]

Hi Chris, I have a question for you - which one of these phones in your opinion is the best phone - Oppo A72, Moto G 5G or the TCL 10 5G???

[@Mirror126]

😢 sooo underrated

[@adityaunnava4304]

Can you get the motorola one fusion plus reviewed? Looks so promising on paper.

[@TechSpurt]

I'm not sure it's coming over this way, but if any samples show up I'll def be reviewing it, had loads of requests!

[@noreenyasin9769]

Who has good louder sound oppo a9 2020? Oppo a72 ? Or oppo a52??

[@danielutzu2000]

WORTH WATCHING. QUALITY CONTENT. PROPERLY REVIEWED. IF YOURE NOT SURE IF TO BUY THE OPPO A72 OR NOT AND WANT MORE INFO ABOUT IT AND SOME CONSTRUCTIVE OPINIONS IN REGARDS, YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE COS THIS GUY IS COVERING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO DECIDE. I just have a smal issue (me personally) Hmmm I'm struggling here and there to understand what you're saying. And unfortunately I can't activate subtitles to help myself with them few words I couldn't really understand. I'm not English (obviously) and I'm not saying it's YOU that's not being "clear", because you are :D Can i ask you where are you from ? The content is worth watching !! I like how you present the device and the observations you're making. Everything is spot on! I really got all the info I needed from your video. I actually opened 3 different reviews but ended up closing the other two when I realized your review covers it all. I'm defo subscribing to your channel and you defo got my like!!!

[@robstanley28]

Just bought one best phone so far in my opinion

[@Ka_T_ya]

I find your videos enjoyable despite me not being a huge fan of budget androids. Still as a person who used to be stuck in their world in the past; hence me not being fan of the kind. I wish when they are reviewed in the gaming part to show performance not only when playing Unity engine based games,as we know they are much lighter on the gpu,but Unreal4 heavy graphics games,as they are not only heavier but some of the the very least best looking games. And for example I wouldn’t have in the past deluded myself those phones have any chance of running them properly. But then again even a Note 20 ultra Exynos version can’t give more than 30fps when attempting ,lol despite its 120hz. Which is why I moved to iPhones and iPads I know you hate,but trust me nothing gets even closer to the experience. And what is the point of a high refresh rate on screen if it can’t give even 60fps on a u4e game. I just feel like a lot of people who don’t game only unity type of games just won’t waste their time and money on phones who can’t properly do anything beyond unity.

[@paul1991ish]

I see you listen to Crystal Lake Tech Spurt 😎

[@renmarkable7905]

I don't get it. You've done every review on this phone EXCEPT How it works as a phone. That is it's primary function.

[@bosrab]

I've found the calls speaker is clear and easy to hear what the other person is saying. For me everything about making and taking phone calls, leaving voice messages and texting is simple on the Oppo A72. Stereo sound speakers are good without headphones and better using headphones.

[@mohdsyakirbinfais740]

I love OPPO A92 🤩 😍👍

[@lentab7031]

Sony xperia 5 is now available at a similar'ish price to the 10ii ... - which would you go for?

[@twitchyjambo]

Need to ask you a question,can I enable swiping my notifications down on my fingerprint sensor on my realme x50 5g? If anyone knows it'd be you🙂👍

[@alesizzz1]

Well done Review- Good humour too

[@jasonmcmeekin2214]

great review as always Chris me personally I would buy the redmi note 9 pro just for that little bit more. better construction and better chipset can't wait for this week's tech spurt weekly I have to say life can be boring without tech spurt weekly in my life keep up the magnificent work see ya

[@martinmoloney4079]

Hi mate can you do a video of the best game controller for the one plus 8 cheers

[@TechSpurt]

Hey, got a couple of controllers to test out so hopefully I'll have a video up soon ;)

[@guiltyinnocent]

Lasts longer than Sting does in the sack 🤣🤣 My new favourite tech guy.

[@ChrisS30097]

Vinland Saga is the best anime ever

[@aidanisfat4840]

gay

[@MysteriousMatt89]

Hey Chris, would you rather get a Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro or a Note 10 Lite? I'm searching for a new phone for my mom and i am not sure if the upgrade pays off for her. She doesn't use it for gaming and rarely consumes media, but she wants to keep it at least three years...

[@yanhe6532]

I reckon realme 6 pro

[@BryBry77]

Realme 6 Pro.. I bought one & for the price it's a very sweet piece of kit & has everything she would need it for, the battery, camera, chipset is just so good.. Plus it looks pretty sweet.

[@TechSpurt]

Hm, if she's just using her phone for the simple stuff like email, web, messaging, she might like the Nokia 5.3. The software's a bit more friendly and you're guaranteed updates for a couple of years, so should hopefully go the stretch

[@MysteriousMatt89]

@@TechSpurt Ok thanks ^^

[@jay-dan9173]

This phone is a attack on The Galaxy A71

[@-dgabrielaramona8877]

But it is better and cheaper

[@LNDN1905]

Does it support 5G? Great review as usual mate 👍

[@imwatchingyou6113]

Answer is no ... But... a new oppo a72 5g due out soon...

[@LNDN1905]

im watchingyou The Honor 20e supports 5G I confused that phone with this one

[@karlaluna7468]

Between samsung a31 and OPPO 72...Do you know which one is better?

[@mojtabamanchester]

Which do you suggest between oppo a72 and poco x3 nfc?

[@JPflame]

Is this better than the Redmi note 9? I'm thinking of getting this as u said if your a Gamer which i am not

[@kinitabhaga2935]

Hiii....I have a oppo A72 it's amazing omg and the camera 👌 I just want to know does it have a step count ?

[@nafissal1136]

Hey can you give me more details about the camera? What do you thing about it in low light .

[@treasure_adventures]

does it have a 90hz refresh rate?

[@seamus6149]

volume buttons on the left side, I don't think so .

[@woody1815]

hi, so which one of these is or could be better than samsung galaxy s8, ,thx.

[@johnwesley2943]

I was expecting some Spinal Tapesque gag about being one better than the Samsung A71. I was gutted when it wasn't delivered 😢.

[@etherspin]

Definitely a second gag about OnePlus is waiting too

[@thechrissyb]

Hi Chris, did you ever review the neo? Can't seem to find one from you.

[@TechSpurt]

I didn't sadly, still got a stack of other phones to get through, so unlikely to get around to it. With IFA around the corner, the floodgates are about to gush open...

[@adisiti5065]

IM from Indonesia , i love you channel ,, help unboxing Samsung Galaxy A72🙏

[@wolfpack.3344]

Might be a silly question but can I connect my Samsung smartwatch to this phone?

[@dbugpromotions]

Could you tell me what is the expandable storage size please?

[@dkoeowowo]

Just wondering, because im looking to buy this, would u actually recommend this or is there a better alternative.

[@fergrfc4421]

I have it. Check my comment at the top of the comments

[@dkoeowowo]

@@fergrfc4421 thank you

[@fergrfc4421]

@@dkoeowowo no problem

[@alexbace7]

Please review Samsung M31!

[@thatdavidguyvlogs3910]

oppo a72 OR oppo find x2 lite???? What's better?

[@rj5724]

was that swipe gestures like an iphone, how did you get that?

[@carolineanderson2741]

Having my very first issue with my wonderful oppo and I feel because I changed SIM cards and carrier now my voicemail and call waiting isn’t working any help and advice please done all the usual checks and settings

[@ThatIanhunt3r]

Hello sir! Love your channel and after a bit of advice! I have a mate 20 pro and just got emui 10.1 update, I'm due for upgrade but can't find phone that competes atm, im after a bigger screen, ideally 6.7/6.9 must have qhd display not full HD, im a big media user, Netflix etc in HDR, duel speakers, always on display, I feel my phone takes better pictures of 99% of new phones, I'd upgrade to new mate series but with no Google I just couldn't! Was thinking of note 10+ 5g but I think Samsung photos aren't as good as Huawei especially in low night, interested to see next pixel 5 buy what would you suggest! Stick with my mate 20 pro, upgrade to note 10 or wait until phone comes along to suit my needs!?!?!? Every phone I look at has something I use missing 😖

[@chrispoulton3564]

I'm in exactly the same boat. Holding out for the rest of the year to see what launches. Really hoping for global version of xiaomi 10 ultra

[@jurgeneckert2090]

I'm confused about different critics speaking of an special monchrome lens? Or is it an ordinary one and black & white is just an one of several effects?

[@Ramen925]

Should i buy the s10 lite?

[@sofianesss4796]

I want to buy a mobile phone but I'm between the oppo A72 and A53s, which do you think is better?

[@bosrab]

Hello I am very pleased with my Oppo A72. The Pixel 4a is another good one.

[@potbelly6940]

Any fix for the microphone?..I find it terrible on video,Snapchat etc

[@jesterdeloviarii6248]

Is this the OPPO A92, the global version?

[@abhijithcs5706]

Make a OnePlus nord tips and tricks video you goshdarn jobbie!

[@TechSpurt]

Ha, I had to send it back unfortunately, before I had the chance. Sorry bud!

[@mahadi3178]

I need your thumbnail wallpaper please give me

[@samsonkonousi7711]

How much storage do you get if you insert the micro sd card?

[@elizabethsimoes8045]

I've got mine a week ago..it's pretty good

[@moonchild9530]

How's the battery? Because i'm looking for phone at least the battery can long lasting for 2 days maybe😅

[@aukegielen3800]

@@moonchild9530 It can, after like 1 day of use its around 60%

[@moonchild9530]

@@aukegielen3800 Aaaa thank you sm!

[@klaudia9675]

How is the RAM management?

[@theequaliser8026]

This review blew me away 👍 head shot a 12 year old lol

[@odozijohnny2461]

WHICH SMARTPHONE DO YOU USE AS YOUR DAILY DRIVER?

[@pandah3217]

Odozi Johnny I think all, he has the same app/set up in every phone.

[@OwO_MIW]

Should i buy this I now have a iphone 5s

[@V77710]

I had a LG G8s thinq and the stereo audio was so good that I thought for months my oppoA72 had only one speaker

[@masere]

EBay UK are selling it new for £139 and you can get 20% extra off so that's £111. Seriously thinking of buying it

[@ronwilkinson5158]

great review thank you

[@smoothm6539]

Is it much different between Hawaii phones?

[@kurtarongun6193]

Sound test Oppo A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy M31 cpmpare?

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

What is the call quality like?

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

Oppo A72 or Xiaomi Mi 10t lite or Samsung A51?

[@jamesfowler3582]

Is it possible to screen mirror on this phone?

[@adam70628]

Is this better than last year's Reno Z

[@quendelf]

Respecting your Cowboy Bebop screensavers pal ;)

[@kinglaffey8174]

Respecting your cute toes

[@andrewherbert137]

Was that Hythe sea front?

[@halemakausardad5533]

Can this phone work on 5G or not.

[@DannyGlasspool]

How come the video footage is such low framerate? 6:50

[@bryanviviage9899]

Hey there Chris, are you gonna be doing the Reno 4 Pro?

[@TechSpurt]

Hey Bryan, no word from the Oppo PRs on whether it's coming to the UK, but if it does I'll be all over it like gravy on a Sunday roast ;)

[@bryanviviage9899]

​@@TechSpurt Thanks for the reply. Fingers crossed then :)

[@GetCronk1989]

Crystal Lake .. ah yes I see you're a man of culture

[@oliversjmildmay2970]

Yeh thanks for the review didnt listen to it all but thanks interesting